Iceland

Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. An island is a piece of land completely surrounded by water. Iceland is known for its volcanoes, glaciers, and wide open spaces. A glacier is a large body of slow-moving ice. The country has a cold climate because it is close to the Arctic Circle. Even so, people have lived there for more than a thousand years.

Iceland formed from volcanic activity long ago. A volcano is a mountain that can release hot melted rock called lava. Iceland sits on a place where two large parts of the Earth's crust move apart. This makes the island active, with many hot springs and geysers. A geyser is a natural hole that shoots hot water into the air. These natural features show the strong forces under the ground.

Most people in Iceland live in the southwest part of the country. This area has milder weather and good harbors. A harbor is a safe place for ships to come to shore. The capital city, Reykjavík, is located there. Cities and towns are small compared to many other countries, and people often travel long distances between them. Roads can be closed in winter when snow and ice become very heavy.

Nature shapes everyday life in Iceland. Large glaciers cover parts of the island, while other areas have black sand from old lava flows. The land is open, with few trees, and many birds and fish live near the coasts. Fishing has been important for food and trade for many years. Trade is the buying and selling of goods. Today, geothermal energy is also important. Geothermal means heat from inside the Earth, and Iceland uses this heat to make electricity and warm houses.

People in Iceland speak Icelandic, a language that comes from Old Norse. Norse refers to the people from northern Europe during the Viking Age. Iceland has a long tradition of writing and storytelling. Old stories called sagas describe early settlers and their journeys. These stories help historians learn about life many centuries ago.

Iceland is a democratic republic. This means people choose their leaders in free elections. The country works to protect its nature, from glaciers to coastline areas. Many visitors travel to Iceland each year to see volcanoes, geysers, and waterfalls. A waterfall is a place where a river falls over a steep drop. These natural sights help people understand how Iceland's land continues to change over time.